Science

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has a long tradition of scientific excellence and always uses the best-available science to inform its work to conserve fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitat for the benefit of the American public.

Wildlife Refuges

Clean water. Clean air. Unusual and abundant wildlife. World-class recreation. The Refuge System provides and protects it all on 150 million acres of land and water from the Caribbean to the Pacific, Maine to Alaska.

Ecological Services

The Mountain-Prairie Region's Office of Ecological Services (ES) works to restore and protect healthy populations of fish, wildlife, and plants and the environments upon which they depend. Using the best available science, ES personnel work with Federal, State, Tribal, local, and non-profit stakeholders, as well as private land owners, to avoid, minimize, and mitigate threats to our Nation's natural resources.

Migratory Birds

Providing leadership in the conservation of migratory bird habitat through partnerships, grants, and outreach for present and future generations. The Migratory Bird Program is responsible for maintaining healthy migratory bird populations for the benefit of the American people.

Fisheries

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Fisheries Program in the Mountain-Prairie Region helps conserve, protect, and enhance aquatic resources and provides economically valuable recreational fishing to anglers across the country. The program comprises 12 National Fish Hatcheries.

External Affairs

External Affairs staff in the Mountain-Prairie Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides support to the regional office and field stations to communicate and faciliate information about the Service's programs to the public, media, Congress, Tribes, partners, and other stakeholders in the 8-state region.

News Release

Reward for Information on Grizzly Bear Shooting

For Immediate Release

June 3, 2014

BILLINGS, Mont. – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is investigating the shooting of a grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) on the Gallatin National Forest. The grizzly bear was discovered by hikers over Memorial Day weekend in the vicinity of Cache Creek Road/Taylor Fork Road, which is just north of the Yellowstone National Park boundary on highway 191, and south of Big Sky, Montana.

Grizzly bears are listed as threatened in the lower 48 states pursuant to the Endangered Species Act. The shooting and/or possession of any unlawfully harvested grizzly bears, including parts thereof, are considered a violation of said act.

The area where the grizzly bear was discovered is frequented by outdoor recreationists and hunters alike, and according to reports, experienced heavy traffic over this popular weekend. As a result, someone recreating in the area may have relevant information that could aid investigators with the investigation. Anyone with information regarding the shooting is asked to contact the USFWS, Office of Law Enforcement in Billings, Montana at (406)247-7355. The Service will pay up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible. Anyone providing that information to authorities may remain anonymous. Information can also be reported to the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks TIP- MONT line at 1-800-TIP-MONT (800-847-6668).

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie. Connect with our Facebook page, follow our tweets, watch our YouTube Channel, and download photos from our Flickr page.